Community Spirit Remains Strong in Bishop Auckland

Despite the UK’s coronavirus lock-down, community radio volunteers at 105.9 Bishop FM have been able to continue broadcasting with help of funding from Bishop Auckland Town Council.

Saturday Brunch Presenter Peter Rush in his home studio

Government guidelines on social distancing meant that it was impossible for the radio station’s 60+ volunteers to continue broadcasting from their studio in Bishop Auckland.

Bishop Auckland Town Council had already awarded the radio station a £500 grant to pay for some outside broadcasting equipment, and as public events were being cancelled it was looking very unlikely that this was going to be needed in the current year.

Gary Burgham, Bishop FM Programme Director said:
“We’re so very grateful to Bishop Auckland Town Council for allowing us to repurpose the grant funding they had awarded, so that we could buy some equipment to allow our volunteers to continue broadcasting from the safety of their own homes.”
“Community radio can be a lifeline for many at this difficult time, and being able to continue broadcasting allows our volunteers to do their bit to lift community spirits while also sharing any important messages and providing up to the minute news.”

You can hear more from the radio station by tuning to 105.9 on your FM radio, listen online at www.bishopfm.com or by asking your smart speaker to play Bishop FM.